Offered an Unfair Florida Car Accident Settlement – Now What?

A Florida car accident brings enough grief, as there is often property damage and injuries sustained in the crash. The last thing you want to deal with is a difficult insurance company.

After an auto accident, you will most likely be contacted by the insurance adjuster. It is important to remember who the insurance adjuster works for, and it’s not you. The insurance adjuster will be the one who examines the details of your accident and offers an insurance settlement. Since they work for the insurance company, they will be looking for ways to offer you the lowest possible settlement.

If you are not happy with the car accident settlement offered by the insurance adjuster and they won’t budge, you do have some options. The majority of insurance policies have a provision that allows for arbitration if the policyholder and insurer cannot come to an agreement regarding the settlement. Arbitration involves a neutral third party who helps settle a dispute without going through litigation. It is usually used in the event where damages are the only issue.

You can contact the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation for information on how to file a complaint against the insurance company. An investigation may be conducted if the insurer acted improperly or would not negotiate a settlement.

Another option is to file a lawsuit. You may be able to sue the driver who caused the car accident if the insurance adjuster is being uncooperative, if the claim is more than the maximum limit in small claims court or if there are some issues relating to insurance coverage. To find out if you should file a lawsuit for your car accident injuries, contact an experienced Florida car accident lawyer for legal advice.

It would be wise to consult with a Florida injury lawyer before you talk with the insurance company. However, if you have already started the negotiation for your settlement, you may still benefit from a legal consultation. Contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron today at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.